The son of a pharmacist, he attended pharmacy school himself, and established a drugstore in New Virginia, Iowa in 1922.

He was appointed to the Iowa House of Representatives in 1947 to fill the term of a Representative who had died, and became a prominent opponent of the labor and education policies of Governor Robert D. Blue, a fellow Republican.

In June 1948, Beardsley successfully challenged Blue in the Republican primary, and went on to an easy victory in the general election.

Beardsley was known for his advocacy of a balanced state budget, and his opposition to the Truman administration's Brannan Plan.

During his tenure the following notable accomplishments were achieved: workmen's compensation benefits were increased; the highway patrol was expanded; anti-gambling laws were sanctioned; roads, schools, and institutions were all advanced; and a World War II veteran's bonus was authorized.